This blog post originally appeared in the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s blog, Fresh Perspectives from the World of Philanthropy
I am delighted and honored to have recently joined Lake Institute on Faith & Giving Advisory Board. Its mission itself is an inspiration, as is the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from leaders across faith traditions to advance the field of faith-based philanthropy.
As the President of FADICA, a peer network of Catholic and Catholic-inspired foundations and donors, I always have my eye to unique partnership opportunities that serve and expand faith-based philanthropy and the common good. Lake Institute is an excellent partner on both fronts! It is convening critical leadership gatherings to explore how faith and values inspire giving across generations, something desired more and more by the philanthropists with whom we work.
Lake Institute, as part of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, also brings enriching academic and practical resources and a global lens to faith-based philanthropy. That is why it is such a valued partner, especially for FADICA as we are continually developing and updating tools and resources for Catholic philanthropists.
In addition to the institute’s alignment with FADICA’s mission, its robust educational programming is particularly valuable for the Catholic grant seeking ministries who participate in FADICA’s Catholic Funding Guide. The Guide is a searchable database of foundations that support Catholic and Catholic-inspired initiatives and organizations.
As we undertake a complete reimagining and renovation of the Guide, incorporating more resources for both fundraisers and donors, FADICA looks forward to partnering with Lake Institute to help fundraisers connect to key resources such as the Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising and the Cultivating Generous Congregations seminar.
Before joining the Advisory Board, I had the privilege of participating in a facilitated “civic reflection” conversation led by Elizabeth Lynn, a past Institute board member, on the importance of encountering and considering values and world lenses (e.g., religious lenses) different from one’s own.
The experience was so relevant to our mission and personally inspiring, that I invited Elizabeth to facilitate a similar dynamic program for our Board of Directors. One board member was so impressed that he brought the program to his own foundation board.
Serving on the Advisory Board is an extraordinary opportunity to build resources and collaborate to most effectively serve faith-based philanthropy, ministry, formation, and related research in an interfaith setting. I look forward to bringing the Catholic philanthropic perspective and my passion for the common good to the Advisory Board. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this remarkable community – to contribute, learn, and achieve greater impact in the field!
